gossamer

[ gos-uh-mer ]

noun

1. a fine, filmy cobweb seen on grass or bushes or floating in the air in calm weather, especially in autumn.
2. a thread or strand of a filmy cobweb seen outdoors.
3. an extremely delicate variety of gauze, used especially for veils.
4. any thin, light fabric.
5. something extremely light, flimsy, or delicate:

   The viper appeared to be midway through sloughing off its skin, half covered as it was with a thin gossamer of its former outer self.

6. a thin, waterproof outer garment, especially for women, popular in the late 19th century.

adjective

1. Also gos·sa·mer·y [] gos·sa·mered. of or like gossamer; extremely light, flimsy, or delicate: Perhaps our hopes are gossamer dreams, strung together with wishful thinking.

   Did you notice this dragonfly's gossamer wings?

   Perhaps our hopes are gossamer dreams, strung together with wishful thinking.

gossamer

/ ˈɡɒsəmə /

noun

1. a gauze or silk fabric of the very finest texture
2. a filmy cobweb often seen on foliage or floating in the air
3. anything resembling gossamer in fineness or filminess
4. modifier made of or resembling gossamer

   gossamer wings

Derived Forms

• ˈgossamery, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gossamer¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English gos(s)esomer, gossummer “filmy substance made of cobwebs; fine filament; something trivial”; possibly first used as a name for late, mild autumn, a time when goose was a favorite dish (compare German Gänsemonat “November”), then transferred to the cobwebs frequent at that time of year

Word History and Origins

Origin of gossamer¹

C14 (in the sense: a filmy cobweb): probably from gos goose ¹+ somer summer ¹; the phrase refers to St Martin's summer, a period in November when goose was traditionally eaten; from the prevalence of the cobweb in the autumn; compare German Gänsemonat, literally: goosemonth, used for November

Example Sentences

Now, I might be a bit biased because frico —lacy, gossamer, uber-crispy cooked flats of parmesan cheese — is one of my favorite things on earth, but Han's inclusion is both simple and ingenious: The frico adds additional cheese flavor while also providing incredible texture.

From Salon

That’s what makes McBride singularly compelling in playing her – she’s constantly holding Carol’s danger and determination under a gossamer veil of meekness.

From Salon

She said its "viscerally, uncomfortably familiar take on entitled masculinity" is "delivered with a self-satisfied smile, as a gossamer cover to the violent rage below".

From BBC

One does not file articles of impeachment based on that sort of gossamer foundation.

From Slate

To see the familiar faces, to hear the old story, to think about the old song — such remembrances tether us, however frayed and fragile the gossamer of grief, to a world transformed.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• fibrous
• silky
• translucent